David, by Donatello

Today we live in a period where artists are able to paint whatever they want and be as creative as possible. We have to thank this to the Enlightenment. Enlightenment  Brought the idea of "I" have right to think for myself. But the most important changes that the Enlightenment brought  to human culture is individuality, creativity, and the most important, progress.

 The patrons before the enlightenment were Members of the Church,  so most paintings done had a Biblical theme.

 I would like to present to you the famous sculpture of David, by Donatello.  Donatello was commissioned by the cathedral of Florence. The cathedral  intended to decorate the buttresses of the tribunes of the cathedral with 12 statues of prophets. David was seen as an political symbol as well as a religious hero. Donatello is created with the reinvention of the classical nude, even though in this case the subject is not a pagan God, hero or athlete but the Biblical David. David is also a perfect Neo-platonic figure, classical incorporated in Christianity without a conflict; David is

nude, which is not something that was common during this time, yet he is a Biblical figure. The fact that he is a Biblical figure makes it OK to have him nude. The Sculpture of Davis is seen as an classical beauty.